Heavy metals concentrations and toxicity in water and sediment from stormwater pounds sediments

New article to be be published in 2010, Journal of Hazardous Materials. Title: Heavy metals concentrations and toxicity in water and sediment from storwater pounds and sedimentation tanks Abstract Sedimentation is a widely used technique in structural best management practices to remove pollutants from stormwater. However, concerns have been expressed about the environmental impacts that may be exerted by the trapped pollutants.

This study has concentrated on stormwater ponds and sedimentation tanks and reports on the accumulated metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and the associated toxicity to the bacteria Vibrio fischeri. The metal concentrations are compared with guidelines and the toxicity results are assessed in relation to samples for which metal concentrations either exceed or conform to these values. The water phase metal concentrations were highest in the ponds whereas the sedimentation tanks exhibited a distinct decrease towards the outlet. However, none of the water samples demonstrated toxicity even though the concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn exceeded the threshold values for the compared guidelines. The facilities with higher traffic intensities had elevated sediment concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn which increased towards the outlet for the sedimentation tanks in agreement with the highest percentage of fine particles. The sediments in both treatment facilities exhibited the expected toxic responses in line with their affinity for heavy metals but the role of organic carbon content is highlighted. Kristin Karlsson1*, Maria Viklander1, Lian Scholes2, Mike Revitt2 1Division of Architecture and Infrastructure, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden. Department of Natural Sciences, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, London, NW4 4BT, United Kingdom. *Corresponding author; E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, telephone +46 (0)920 493146, Fax +46 (0)920 492818